Explosion on the Popayán bypass leaves two people injured; one is reportedly in serious condition and the road is closed due to a bomb threat

NewsThe incident occurred in the middle of a street in the Cauca capital, near the Carabineros School. Photo: Private citizen16.10.2026 18:30 Updated: 16.10.2026 18:34 On the afternoon of this Friday, October 16, in Popayán, an explosive device was detonated near the Police Carabineros School, on the southern bypass of the Cauca capital. The incident left two people injured, one of them with serious injuries, according to preliminary information. The explosion occurred near the police facilities and was so intense that it was heard in different parts of the city. Public Force units went to the site to secure the area and verify the circumstances of what happened. After the detonation, authorities ordered the closure of the bypass in the sector near the bridge over the Cauca River, due to a threat related to the possible presence of other explosive devices. The incident led to a preventive closure of the area to check for more explosives. Photo: Private citizen In parallel, reports emerged about the possible placement of explosives in downtown Popayán, near the Cauca Governor's Office. So far, this information remains in the process of verification. READ ALSO Police deployed operations after the detonation After the incident became known, Metropolitan Police units arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area to carry out initial checks and establish the conditions under which the explosion occurred. Likewise, security measures were activated, including the so-called Plan Candado (Padlock Plan), with the aim of controlling possible escape routes and advancing the search for those responsible. This new act of violence once again generated tension in the department. Photo: Private citizenRecent precedent of an attack against the Police This new episode occurs nine days after the attack that took place on October 7 in the Santa Mónica neighborhood, in commune 5 of Popayán, where two Metropolitan Police officers were injured by the activation of an explosive device. READ ALSO On that occasion, the officers were traveling on an institutional motorcycle when they were caught by the detonation. According to the information known at the time, the attack was attributed to the ELN. The repetition of violent incidents involving explosives in a period of less than ten days increases concern about security in the Cauca capital, especially due to the risks these actions pose to members of the Public Force and the civilian population. The authorities' statement is awaited, which will allow the final tally of those affected, the characteristics of the device, and the progress of the investigation to be known. Michel Francois Romoleroux HalabySpecial for EL TIEMPOPopayán Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.